Lesson Planning
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Be a palaeontologist! Find out how fossils are made and make your own. Understand REALLY BIG numbers in the context of the timeline of the Earth. Research the layers of the Earth and learn about the three main epochs of fossils. Tour your school sharing your knowledge with other children.
Science
Enquiry question
What is a fossil? How are they formed?
Outcomes
Children will:
If possible, a collection of fossils or bones for the class to look at.
For making Plaster of Paris fossils: suitable pots – yogurt pots or similar; clay; collection of small shells; fibrous leaves; small bones; watercolour paints.
For making cast fossils: newspaper; sticky tape; Modroc; warm water.
For making mould fossils: air-drying clay; toy dinosaurs/plastic bones; shells; leaves; sweets in the shape of worms, animals, etc.
For making amber fossils: cheap epoxy resin; yellow food colouring; a small heat-proof mould; something to trap inside the fossil; something to protect the table; warm, soapy water to hand.
Weblinks
How do dinosaur fossils form? Natural History Museum
Oxford University Museum of Natural History fossil information
How to make a fossil with plaster of Paris
Science
Enquiry question
How big is a BILLION?
Outcomes
Children will:
Rice (25kg bag if possible)
Ziploc bags for rice
Measuring scales
Calculators
Weblink
Astrogeekz video – Timeline of the Earth
Science
Enquiry question
How do the Earth’s layers differ and what do they tell us about the past?
Outcomes
Children will:
Non-fiction books or internet access
Weblinks
National Geographic infographic
Fossil Rocks Anthem – song and animation
Prehistoric Planet ‘Three layer cake’ image
Music from the TV show ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ to add tension for playing the game!
Science
Enquiry question
What can we find out about fossils from visiting a museum?
Outcomes
Children will:
Sketch books and pencils
Notebooks
Camera
Risk assessments for visit
Weblinks
List of Natural History Museums in the UK (32 in England, 5 in Scotland and 1 in Wales)
Some examples to consider in a risk assessment (trip risk assessments should be written in accordance with your own school’s format and guidance)
N.B. If you are not able to go on a visit you could explore the Natural History Museum London and the Natural History Museum Oxford through their virtual tours.
Science
Enquiry question
How can we present what we have learnt in an entertaining, informative and memorable way?
Outcomes
Children will:
Weblinks
Fossil Rocks Anthem song and animation.
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